The Year 2000 (Flashback of Lord Ardan Eryndor and Aldric Draekhaven' past in high school)
Ardan
I wasn't expecting anyone to approach me during lunch. I was used to the stares, the murmurs about "the scholarship kid," but when Owen Durnell sat across from me, tray in hand, I blinked in surprise. "You're in my history class, right?" he asked casually, taking a bite of his sandwich. I nodded. "Yeah. Mr. Calloway's class. First period." "Right! You're pretty good at it, aren't you?" I shrugged. "I guess." Owen grinned. "I was thinking... maybe we could study together sometime? I could use the help." Before I could answer, a shadow fell over the table.
"Find somewhere else to sit," came a voice as cold as ice. I didn't need to look up to know who it was. Aldric Draekhaven stood beside me, his presence loud despite his quiet tone. His hand gripped the back of my chair. Owen hesitated, glancing between us.
"I was just—"
"I don't care," Aldric cut in smoothly, expression unreadable. "Ardan already has plans. Don't you?" His gaze flicked down to me, daring me to contradict him. My throat went dry. "...Yeah. I do." Owen frowned but didn't argue. He just muttered something under his breath and walked away. Only when he was gone did Aldric finally sit down, stealing one of my fries without asking. "Don't waste your time on people like him," he said, as if the matter was already settled. And somehow, I didn't argue.
Aldric
It starts small. Little things. A comment here, a suggestion there. It's not manipulation—it's guidance. Ardan doesn't always know what's best for himself, but I do. "That essay you wrote. Too soft. You're holding back." He frowns. "What do you mean? Mr. Calloway gave me an A." "I mean, I've read your writing before. You can do better." A beat of hesitation. "You think so?" "I know so."
The next paper he turns in is sharper, more confident. He gets an A+. When he tells me about it, there's a hint of pride in his voice. Another win. One day, he tells me he's thinking of joining the photography club. "You don't have time for that," I say easily, flipping through my notebook.
"...I don't?"
"You're already tutoring two people, and we have projects coming up. You'd be spreading yourself too thin. Besides, photography?" I smirk. "It's not really your thing." A pause. Then: "Yeah. You're probably right." Of course, I am.
ARDAN'S POV
"Ardan, can I talk to you for a second?" I glanced up as Mr. Calloway gestured for me to stay behind after class. "Everything okay, sir?" I asked, shifting my bag on my shoulder. He hesitated, then said,
"I've noticed you and Aldric Draekhaven are close."
I blinked. "...Yeah?" "You're a bright student. Driven. But I've seen it before—someone like Aldric, someone charismatic and overwhelming, latching onto someone like you."
I frowned. "Aldric's my friend."
"I'm not saying he's not," Calloway said carefully. "But friendships should be balanced. They should leave room for both people to grow." I stared at him, my pulse a little too fast.
"You might want to ask yourself," he said, "if that's really what's happening here."
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I know this chapter is short but don't worry. There are more to come. Please like and comment.